Mastering the Difference Between 'Each' and 'Every': A Comprehensive Guide

"Each" and "every" are similar, and in many cases, you can use either:

Each time I see you, you look different.
or
Every time I see you, you look different.

However, "each" and "every" are not exactly the same. Let's explore their differences.

We use "each" when thinking of things separately, one by one.

Study each sentence carefully.
(= study the sentences one by one)

"Each" is more commonly used for a small number:

-There were four books on the table. Each book was a different color.

-At the beginning of the game, each player has three cards. (in a card game)

We use "every" when thinking of things as a group. The meaning is similar to "all."

Every window in the house was open.
(= all the windows in the house)

"Every" is more commonly used for a large number:

-Kate loves reading. She has read every book in the library.
(= all the books)

-I’d like to visit every country in the world.
(= all the countries)

"Each" (but not "every") can be used for two things:

In football, each team has eleven players. (not every team)

"Every" (not "each") is used to say how often something happens:

-‘How often do you use your car?’ ‘Every day.’ (not each day)

-There’s a bus every ten minutes. (not each ten minutes)

We use "each" with or without a noun:

-None of the rooms are the same. Each room is different.
or
Each is different.

-Each one is different.

We say "each of" (the/these/them … etc.):

-Each of the books was a different color.
(not each of books)

-Each of them was a different color.

-Read each of these sentences carefully.

We use "every" with a noun:

-She’s read every book in the library.

We don’t use "every" alone, but you can say "every one":

-A: Have you read all these books?
-B: Yes, every one.

We say "every one of …" (but not every of):

-I’ve read every one of those books.(not every of those books)

-I’ve read every one of them.

"Each" in the middle:

The students were each given a book. (= Each student was given a book.)

Saying "a dollar each," "ten pounds each," etc.:

-These oranges are 40 pence each. (each = for one orange)

"Everyone" (one word) is only for people (= everybody):

-Everyone enjoyed the party.
(= Everybody …)

"Every one" (two words) is for things or people:

-Sarah is invited to lots of parties and she goes to every one.
(= to every party)

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Language Level